Assisted Living is an option that can be appealing to older adults that need a little bit of help with daily tasks but still wish to live an active and independent lifestyle. Many of your personal and custodial needs are met in these types of communities, and you also enjoy a wide range of social activities. It’s always best to visit several facilities before making a final selection, and during your visit, here are some important questions to ask.
What are the monthly costs at this facility?
Assisted Living can be one of the most expensive senior care options. The monthly rates typically include the monthly rent for your apartment, full meal service, housekeeping services, laundry services, help with daily grooming tasks and an assortment of other amenities. Costs vary based on the size of your apartment, and each community offers a different mix of amenities included in the monthly rates.
However, Medicare and Medicaid and other types of assistance cannot be used to pay for these costs, so they are all out of pocket. In addition, there can be fees for “extras” such as meal delivery service or transportation or medication management. It is very important that you understand what is included in the monthly fees and what services are provided at an additional cost. This can help you truly know whether or not the facility can fit within your budget.
What is the experience level of your staff?
Assisted living facilities rarely offer any real nursing care beyond medication management. Therefore, their staff members do not typically have medical training. They should be trained in basic first aid care and CPR, so be sure to ask about what happens if a medical emergency happens at any time of the day or night. You also would be wise to ask about the turnover rate of the employees and whether or not regular drug testing is required of employees. Don’t be shy about asking these questions, it’s your money and your life.
Also ask about the number of staff members that are working during each shift, how many residents are assigned to each staff member and what to do if you have a conflict or problem with the staff member assigned to you. When you are visiting the facility, be observant and watch the interactions between staff and residents carefully. If there seems to be a sense of camaraderie and ease, this is typically a good sign.
May I have a copy of the contract?
Just like when you sign a lease for an apartment, you sign a multi-page agreement when you move into an assisted living facility. If they won’t provide a copy, walk out the door. If they do, read it very carefully and if you have an attorney, have him looked it over as well. Be sure to ask the facility manager if you have any questions about any part of the contract.
What types of meals are served? What social activities are offered?
Ask for a sample menu, and ask if you can eat a meal at the facility. It will give you a good idea about the quality of the food and the cleanliness and décor of the dining facility. Also ask whether friends or family can come and eat with you occasionally and what fees or costs are associated with that.
Usually, there are a variety of social activities planned each month, and some are included and some might cost extra, such as the cost of an excursion away from the premises. Aside from the cost, you need to select a facility that offers amenities that are of interest to you.
These are just a few questions that will help you find a facility that truly meets your needs. Contact a Care Placement advisor today and they can help you assess your needs and locate a San Diego County or Orange County assisted living community that fits within your budget or suggest another care option that might be more suitable to your needs and cost restrictions.